Hulu, Turner ink exclusive multi-year SVOD agreement

In a much-needed coup given that competition from other OTT players is ratcheted up, Hulu is to become the exclusive SVOD home to programming from Turner Broadcasting's Adult Swim and Cartoon Network.

Under the terms of the terms of the deal, which marks the first-ever licensing agreement between the companies, Hulu will also have subscription video on-demand rights to select current and upcoming series from TNT and TBS.

turnerAll episodes from past seasons of TNT's The Last Ship and Murder in the First will be available to stream exclusively for Hulu subscribers, while all episodes from past seasons of original series Adult Swim — including Rick and Morty, Black Jesus, NTSF:SD:SUV and Cartoon Network original series such as The Amazing World of Gumball, Steven Universe, Over the Garden Wall and Clarence — will also be made available to stream through an SVOD service for the first time ever on Hulu. All Cartoon Network series will be available to stream ad-free in the Hulu Kids environment.

Hulu will also become the exclusive SVOD destination to stream Adult Swim and Cartoon Network classics, including Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, Sealab 2021, and The Marvellous Misadventures of Flapjack. Also through the agreement, Hulu will obtain exclusive SVOD rights to certain future series that will launch on TNT, TBS, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network over the coming years including TBS's upcoming series Angie Tribeca, which will be available to stream exclusively on Hulu after its full-season run on TBS.

"This deal with Hulu demonstrates the power of Turner Broadcasting's branded networks and the high demand for our programming in the marketplace," commented David Levy, president of Turner Broadcasting. "This is a great opportunity to grow the reach of the networks' original programming and complements our strategy of utilising multiple platforms – including SVOD – to drive sampling, introduce new viewers to our content and give current fans the opportunity to explore and enjoy Turner's new and existing series in a branded environment."

"The addition of multiple titles from Cartoon Network represents a significant step forward in continuing to build a strong programming offering for the kids audience on Hulu," added the OTT firm's Senior Vice President and Head of Content Craig Erwich. "The adult animation series from Adult Swim, as well as the additional series from TNT and TBS, are a perfect addition to our current offering."